Monday, October 29, 2018

Lea's Favorites and Reviews

It's that time folks, time for some of my favorites and some reviews. I always love knowing what folks think of products, clothes or food items. I'm more prone to give something a try if it is personally recommended to me. Here we go...........

It is rarely that I bake anything in a loaf pan but when I do I like to have a nice container to store it in. I found this a few months ago on Amazon.

A couple of weeks ago I made our favorite Almond Pound Cake and split the recipe between two loaf pans and this was great to store it in. One went in the freezer for future use. My only dislike is the way it snaps together when you put the top on. It's not easy to dobut I sort of have the hang of it now. AND, I so wish there was a glass loaf holder with a glass top. I love loaf cakes and I also make dessert breads that I'd love to have one for. Surely I'm not the only person that would like to have one of these. In the meantime I'll continue to use this plastic one that doesn't have much presentation.

Forever and ever I've used McCormick's chili seasoning and we love it. But, a couple of weeks ago my sweet young neighbor told me about Ballow's and how much their family likes it. So, I decided to give it a try this weekend. It's made with 2 pounds hamburger meat and 1 pound of sausage. I've never even thought of adding sausage to mine before but it was a nice addition. The Ballow's is a thick chili and I really liked it. It's highly seasoned but, for me, not too highly. ~but I love highly seasoned food~ I don't think we would like the Ballow's for chili dogs or Mexican Stackups but for just eating a bowl of chili, I'll give it 4 stars. For local folks, Super 1 is the only place I was able to find it.

Some time ago one of my "besties" was telling me that she had gotten a carabiner to attach her purse to a cart that she might be using while shopping.

Well, I thought that was a brilliant idea. I am always walking away from my cart to get something or look at something and it's the perfect opportunity for someone to grab my purse. So, I purchased myself some and I got the 3" size as they are big enough for a larger handled purse. I just leave my hanging on the handle of my purse for convenience but it's easy enough to remove and slip in the side pocket of your purse. As my husband said, they can still take your purse but it will certainly be a much slower process for them. And, I most always carry zip up purses so it's not easy to just reach in my purse and grab something either. Anyway, I urge you to get yourself a carabiner too.

Ladies, I've owned a lot of can openers over the years but there is absolutely none that can compare to the CUTCO. It's smooth operation is unbelievable. I got mine about 2 weeks ago and it has made opening cans a breeze. I'm sort of thinking that my kiddos may need one for Christmas. I own the CUTCO knives as well and I give them a 5 star rating as well.

I love tarts, they are just the right size dessert. I see the shells in the freezer section of the grocery store and always think that I'll try and make some. Well, last week I decided it was time to stop thinking about it and just buy them and give it a try. Dutch Ann is the brand that our Wal-Mart carries so I went with them. And, they are made in Historic Natchez, Mississippi, so they had to be good shells.

There was a recipe on the back of the package for Pecan Tarts so I decided to give it a try. I love Pecan Pie and I thought these would be great to have for our Thanksgiving. 8 shells come to a package and I thought they turned out wonderfully. Now, I have not tasted of them but I'm betting they are going to be good. I packaged them up and placed them in the freezer and I'm thinking I need to make some pumpkin tarts to go with these. I'm pretty sure these are going to be a big favorite of mine for a long time. Tarts are just the right amount of dessert.

If you have not ever heard of the Touch Note app then you need to get it ASAP. My precious blogging friend, Erin over at Perfectly Port talked about it on her blog a few weeks ago. I immediately loaded it on my phone and Ipad and have already sent 3-4 cards with it. It is the easiest way to send a card and you can use your photos or their pre-designed cards. I used photos on the ones I have sent and I saw one that I had sent to someone and I was so very pleased. It was high quality and and the receiver was thrilled. They offer different monthly rates or you can just use it as needed. I have not signed up for a monthly rate but it is much less expensive if you do. I think the 5x7 cards I sent were about $5.00 each and that includes the postage. It is so convenient and sure beats having to go and hunt and hunt for just the right card. Give it a try! It's my new favorite way to send a card.

Have you seen this book? Well, it is so cute and of course, Reese is too! It's a book about her growing up in the South (Alabama) and she shares some of her favorite recipes from her Grandmother. And, there are lovely pictures too. It makes a great gift and I've already given it to one of my dear friends for her birthday. It's the kind of book you can just pick up and browse at your leisure.

Now, go have yourself a wonderful new week!!!

Lea

Hi there! My name is Lea. I've been wife to the best Hubby for 44 years....Mom to a son and daughter....CiCi to 4 precious Grans....lover of family and friends....enjoy laughter and a good time....shopper....picture taking maniac....maker of delicious fudge....organizational enthusiast....memory maker....Southern Belle...and most importantly.....a Child of the King! Welcome to my little corner!

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23 comments:

Of course Reese’s book was everywhere in Draper James when we visited her store in Nashville and it’s definitely on my Christmas list! Those tiny pecan pies look delish and I wish I had one right now for breakfast!

You had so many neat ideas today, but I think the pecan tarts will be my favorite. So easy to make and have on hand for a quick desert. I'm also thinking Michelle might like the cook book for Christmas. Have a great rest of your week.

I always love your reviews and read every one of them. Love the purse holder one...and the bread 'saver' is perfect. I usually end up bagging mine so think I will look this product up,Have a great week- xo Diana

No I haven't seen Reese's book but I think I would enjoy it. Going to put that on my Christmas list. Those tarts look delicious. I love the idea for hanging you purse on the cart! Have a great week Lea.

I like the idea for the purse. It may not stop someone, but would at least slow them up. I have a whole set of Cutco knives and other utensils. I have the can opener as well. It is the best can opener I have ever had and I don't know what I would do without it.

Thanks for the great tips! I have already searched Amazon, Walmart, and Publix looking for Ballow's Chili Mix. No go. I love a thick, spicy chili. I will look at Touch Note. Word of mouth is the best way to find a good product! Thanks again!

As a native Texan I have to say I've never heard of Ballow's Famous Chili Seasoning but I'm definitely going to look for it! We have been making the same chili recipe for 30+ years. It's a recipe that won the Terlingua Chili Cook=off back then. When we need a quick pot of chili, we do make mixes so this would come in handy.

My youngest son sold Cutco knives while he attended college in Nashville. We were the recipient of a few...steak knives and one other with a serrated blade...WOW they are sharp! Part of the demo when he was selling them was how he could cut a penny in half without ruining the knife! While they are expensive, they are certainly worth every penny so I am guessing the can opener is of the same quality. I need to check it out! Thanks for the great reviews!

you always have the best recommendations so I love these posts and isn't touchnote the best. We just mailed one to Scott's 98 year old grandma and she cried because she got mail and pictures! It really is so easy and meaningful!

Great posting and so informative!I too use the carabiner for when I am shopping, but I also use a larger one for in the car. I hang my purse from the handle up near the ceiling of the car so it does not have to sit on the floor, and it's at my reach. Of course this is on the passenger side. :}I saw that book with Reese Witherspoon, it was her GORGEOUS pink dress that caught my eye, and of course the tea cup.I must look for that loaf container, very nice.Thank you for sharing with us.

Great post and lots of fun ideas. A storage container for the loaf is genius. I always just end up wrapping them in plastic wrap. The carabiner trick is a good idea, I'm always nervous someone will grab my purse and bolt. Happy weekend!!! XO

Welcome

I've been wife to the best Hubby for 47 years....Mom to a son and daughter....CiCi to 4 precious Grans....lover of family and friends....enjoy laughter and a good time....shopper....picture taking maniac....maker of delicious fudge....organizational enthusiast....memory maker....Southern Belle...and most importantly.....a Child of the King! Welcome to my little corner!

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